Spindelegger: "Teheran must put an end to the spiral of violence"

Foreign Minister condemns the actions of the security forces

Vienna, 28 December 2009 - "The people in charge in Iran should know that the international community is closely monitoring the actions of the security forces. Their brutal attacks on protesting civilians who are merely exercising their political basic rights cannot be accepted", said Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger in a first reaction to the violent clashes during protests in Iran, which led to deaths and injuries among the protesters. The Foreign Minister called upon the Iranian government to solve the crisis by the means of dialogue and not in a violent manner.

"The Iranian government must put an end to the spiral of violence and prevent further escalation. A political solution to the crisis can only be found by peaceful means and not through brutal acts of repression”, Spindelegger continued.